PFAS in Cherry Hill’s Water — Why South Jersey’s Lower-Risk Profile Still Warrants Understanding
Cherry Hill sits in Camden County, drawing from Delaware River source water — a supply with a different PFAS profile than the Passaic or Hackensack watershed systems of northern New Jersey. The baseline naturally occurring PFAS risk from South Jersey’s sedimentary geology is generally lower than in northern New Jersey’s industrial and crystalline bedrock zone. But PFAS is a statewide concern in New Jersey, and the Delaware River watershed has its own industrial and agricultural contamination history. For Cherry Hill municipal customers, the CCMUA tests, treats, and reports PFAS against New Jersey’s strict standards. For any Cherry Hill-area property on a private well, the question requires independent testing. This page explains what PFAS are, how they may be present in Cherry Hill area water, and what homeowners can do.
What PFAS Are — The Chemistry Behind the Concern
PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are more than 12,000 synthetic chemical compounds defined by an extremely strong carbon-fluorine bond. That bond gives them commercially valuable properties and makes them environmentally permanent. They don’t break down under heat, UV light, biological activity, or water. PFAS that enter the environment persist indefinitely. They have no taste, no smell, and no visual indicator. Standard water treatment doesn’t reliably remove them. Activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis are the established household approaches. The EPA’s PFAS overview covers the full scientific background.
How PFAS May Be Present in Cherry Hill Area Water
The Delaware River watershed spans multiple states and a diverse land use history — agricultural areas, industrial facilities, military installations, and urban development that has introduced PFAS from multiple sources into the river system over decades. PFAS from AFFF firefighting foam used at military and industrial sites upstream, manufacturing discharge, and agricultural product breakdown have all contributed to the Delaware River’s PFAS profile to varying degrees. New Jersey regulates the Delaware River supply through the CCMUA with strict PFAS monitoring and treatment requirements.
For Cherry Hill’s private well owners — less common but present in portions of the area — South Jersey’s sedimentary geology produces lower naturally occurring PFAS concentrations than northern New Jersey’s crystalline bedrock zones. However, PFAS from surface contamination sources and groundwater migration doesn’t follow the same geological boundaries as naturally occurring minerals. Testing is the only reliable way to know what a specific well contains. The NJDEP PFAS resources page provides statewide monitoring data and current regulatory information.
Municipal Water vs. Private Wells
Cherry Hill’s municipal customers have the protection of regulated treatment and mandatory reporting. The CCMUA’s annual consumer confidence report reflects where PFAS stands against New Jersey’s MCLs — among the strictest state standards in the country. Municipal customers who want certainty beyond the system-level report can test their specific tap. Private well owners have no equivalent protection and bear full responsibility for knowing what their well contains. Testing is the essential first step.
Health Considerations
Long-term exposure to elevated PFAS has been associated with immune system effects, thyroid hormone disruption, cholesterol changes, and increased cancer risk with prolonged exposure at elevated concentrations. These are long-term cumulative effects — not acute reactions. The appropriate response is accurate measurement followed by informed treatment decisions when levels warrant it. The CDC’s PFAS health guidance provides regularly updated summaries of the research.
PFAS in Cherry Hill’s Water Context
| Contaminant | Source Relevant to Cherry Hill | Detection | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS (broad) | Delaware River watershed industrial and agricultural sources | Specific lab test — no sensory indicator | Persistent; long-term exposure concern |
| PFOA | Manufacturing runoff in Delaware watershed | PFAS panel lab test | NJ MCL established; most studied compound |
| PFOS | AFFF at military and industrial facilities upstream | PFAS panel lab test | Active plumes in Delaware watershed |
| PFNA, GenX | Industrial substitutes and byproducts | Comprehensive PFAS panel | NJ has specific MCLs for both compounds |
Testing and Treatment
PFAS testing requires a specific laboratory analysis ordered separately from standard water quality panels. Results in parts per trillion are compared against New Jersey’s MCLs. If levels warrant action, activated carbon whole-home filtration and reverse osmosis at the kitchen tap are the most effective household approaches. Full treatment detail is available through our PFAS removal resources. For the full Cherry Hill water quality picture, water testing in Cherry Hill covers the complete contaminant profile. Our full New Jersey service area covers communities statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions — PFAS in Cherry Hill, NJ Drinking Water
Is Cherry Hill’s PFAS risk lower than northern New Jersey?
For naturally occurring geological PFAS sources, yes — South Jersey’s sedimentary geology produces lower concentrations than northern NJ’s crystalline bedrock. For PFAS from industrial and agricultural sources in the Delaware watershed, the risk profile is different and requires specific testing to evaluate at a property level. “Lower risk” is not the same as “no risk,” and testing is the only reliable answer for a specific address.
Is PFAS testing included in a standard water quality test?
No. PFAS requires a specific laboratory analysis ordered separately. Standard panels don’t include PFAS. If it wasn’t explicitly ordered previously, that question remains unanswered.
Should Cherry Hill private well owners test for PFAS?
Yes. While South Jersey’s geological baseline is lower-risk than northern NJ, PFAS from surface contamination sources doesn’t follow the same boundaries as naturally occurring geology. Private well owners bear full responsibility for knowing what their well contains. PFAS should be part of any comprehensive Camden County well water baseline.
What household treatment options are most effective for PFAS?
Reverse osmosis at the point of use and high-quality activated carbon systems are the most effective household-level technologies. System selection depends on the specific compounds and concentrations found in testing.
How long does PFAS testing take?
Sample collection takes under an hour. Lab results typically return within two to three weeks. We review results and walk through options when they come back.
Get PFAS Testing Arranged for Your Cherry Hill Home
Whether you’re a Cherry Hill municipal customer who wants property-specific certainty or a private well owner who hasn’t tested for PFAS — we can help. We serve Cherry Hill and all of Camden County. Call us at (732) 357-1988 or reach out online.
